Watch Howard Stern: The Interview

Howard Stern: The Interview is a 2019 documentary that provides an intimate look into the life and career of legendary radio personality Howard Stern. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker John Krasinski, the film chronicles Stern's rise from an awkward, gangly teenager broadcasting from his father's basement to becoming the self-proclaimed "King of All Media."

Through never-before-seen archival footage and exclusive interviews with Stern himself, the film traces his early days in radio at Boston University's WTBU, where he first gained notoriety for his outrageous on-air antics. It then follows Stern's move to Washington D.C. in the late 1970s, where his irreverent style clashed with the conservative political culture, eventually getting him fired from WWDC. However, Stern's firing only made him more popular, leading to an offer from New York's WNBC in 1982.

The film documents how Stern skyrocketed to national fame during his time at WNBC, pioneering the rise of "shock jocks" with provocative segments like Lesbian Dial-A-Date. However, his raunchy humor also led to repeated fines from the FCC, generating as much controversy as popularity. Stern's move to satellite radio with SiriusXM in 2004 is portrayed as his liberation from censorship, allowing him to push the boundaries of free speech even further.

Interviews with Stern's longtime creative team, including producer Gary Dell'Abate and writer Jackie Martling, shed light on the behind-the-scenes chemistry that produced his unique brand of entertainment. Celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel, Snoop Dogg, and Paul McCartney also share their experiences as guests on Stern's show, demonstrating his masterful ability to disarm even the biggest stars.

The film also delves into Stern's personal life, from his difficult relationship with his father to his romance and marriage to model Beth Ostrosky. Home videos and family photos offer a rare glimpse at a softer side of Stern away from the radio. Ultimately, Krasinski paints a portrait of a man who used humor and unfiltered honesty to challenge social mores and establish a new paradigm of personality-driven media.

While celebrating Stern's audacious radio legacy, The Interview also reflects on his enduring impact on pop culture and what the future may hold as the self-proclaimed "King of All Media" enters the latter stages of his career. With insight and humor befitting its subject, the film provides a compelling look at one of the most iconic, influential, and inimitable voices in modern radio history.